Country Market to reopen

After an absence of 4.5 months, Titchfield Country Market will be opening it’s doors again at 10:00 on Friday July 31st.

Our ‘new look’ market will be complying with government guidelines for COVID 19 and there will be measures in place to ensure the safety of all our customers and members.

We ask that all customers wear a face mask please and use the hand sanitiser provided. There will be a one way system in operation and social distancing must be observed at all times please.

We now have a card reader for contactless payments but will accept cash if customers prefer. The ‘new’ market will be open from 10:00 until 11:30 every Friday in the Parish Room.

The shorter opening hours are to allow us extra time for setting up and cleaning the market while we adjust to the new regime.

Produce for sale will include a selection of sweet and savoury items, preserves, cards, plants and we hope some vegetables. Regrettably we will not be able to offer refreshments or other craft items currently.

We have very much missed all our customers and look forward to seeing you again soon. In the meantime please keep safe!

Titchfield Village Trust on the latest Posbrook Lane Development

The ‘Site off Posbrook Lane’ trundles on unfortunately with Foreman Homes determined to ignore Local Authority planners, Planning Inspectors and Village opinion to the bitter end.
Let’s go over the history :

1: Foreman Homes put in a planning application for 150 homes on the field off Posbrook Lane that abuts Bellfield and Barn Close. The Application is refused by Fareham Planners
2: Foreman Homes appeal this decision
3: An Inquiry is held and the Planning Inspector refuses the application.
4: Foreman Homes put in another planning application for the same site but this time for just 50 houses.
5: Fareham Planning Officers indicate they will be recommending refusal.
6: Foreman Homes state that the decision was not made within the required time period and say they will appeal. They were aware that the officers would be recommending refusal however, and that is just what happened. The committee refused the application.

This means that once again the Planning Inspectorate, which is an independent from government body, will be asked to consider the new application for 50 homes.
To be frank the reason for the delay is obvious and even Foreman Homes cannot ignore what has been happening over the last 5 months!
F.B.C. have always been against developing this site and confirm their opposition to any development along the ‘Meon Valley Strategic Gap’ in the newly adopted local plan. While at the same time indicating just how they will fulfil their obligations under current government planning regulations.
Once the inspector has been appointed all those who wrote in with comments to F.B.C. on the new application will be informed and asked if they wish to make comments to the inspector. Their original comments will also be forwarded to the inspector.
It is perhaps worth recalling just why the inquiry inspector refused permission for the 150 houses in the original application.

‘I have concluded that the proposal would result in material harm to the character and appearance of the area, which is a valued landscape, to the setting of two Grade II* listed buildings and a minor adverse effect on best and most versatile agricultural land in the area.
On this basis the proposal would conflict with policy CS14, CS22 in the LPP1 and DSP5, DSP6 in the LPP2’.
LPP1 and LPP2 refer to F.B. C’s. Local Planning Policy parts 1 and 2.
(In terms of LPP1 policy CS14 seeks to control development outside defined settlement boundaries seeking to resist proposals which would adversely affect its landscape character and function. While policy CS22 advises land within strategic gaps will be treated as countryside and development proposals will not be permitted where it affects the integrity of the gap and the physical and visual separation of settlements.

In LPP2 Policy DSP6 further advises in respect of residential development outside of defined urban settlement boundaries that it should avoid a detrimental impact on the character or landscape of the surrounding area. DSP5 addresses the protection and enhancement of the historic environment. In considering the impacts of proposals that affect designated heritage assets it advises the Council will give great weight to their conservation and that any harm or loss will require clear and convincing justification, reflecting the statutory and national policy positions.)

‘The appeal site is located where there is potential for a significant effect on a number of European designated wildlife sites which comprise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) potential Special Protection Areas (pSPAs) and Ramsar sites.’

In our submission to FBC we stated :
‘It is, to quote your own view from the Local Plan consultation, ‘a very
important landscape and any proposed new housing would have a negative impact.’
Keeping the Meon Valley strategic gap as a development free zone is vital in retaining the integrity of the 2 adjacent conservation areas of the Village of Titchfield and Titchfield Abbey.
Indeed the local plan suggests that at some time this gap has the potential to become greenbelt as the only open space between Southampton and Portsmouth along the A27. It is vital to retain this space to prevent coalescence between adjacent developments in Stubbington, Warsash and Park Gate.’

Foreman Homes should not be allowed to encroach in any way on this gap. Fareham already have a robust plan for housing development within the borough including provision for 400 or so dwellings alongside the A27 at the nearby Segensworth roundabout.
All of the comments made by the inspector hold good whether they be for 150 houses or 57. This is a green space that should remain green.
Please look out for the request to submit comments to the Inspector.

One singular sensation:

One singular sensation: A Chorus Line comes to Titchfield – and into your home

A Chorus Line is one of the longest running shows in the history of Broadway and this July the production is coming to Titchfield Festival Theatre for the very first time. The story explores the lives of dancers as they audition for a place in the new musical, directed by Zach, who has a confrontational and authoritative style.

The show is one of three shows being produced this summer as TFT reopens following the coronavirus pandemic. It is also an important milestone for one of the UK’s largest community theatres; A Chorus Line is also one of the first to be streamed live thanks to the purchase of high-quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment. The investment will enable patrons self-isolating and those who prefer to watch the musical in the comfort of their own home, free of charge. Details on how to view the show live will be available soon.

Rehearsals for A Chorus Line during the lockdown have presented significant challenges for co-directors Becky Weaving and Sam Goodall, with cast members unable to rehearse together. The need to maintain safe and social distancing on stage and in the theatre has also required careful planning, Becky explained:

“A Chorus Line is my favourite musical and I am delighted to be directing the show along with Sam. The pandemic has certainly made the life of a director a completely different experience! However, I can honestly say that I have loved it despite the lockdown. We have had ‘virtual rehearsals’ of the cast singing and dancing and the cast have sent videos via Zoom for us both to critique. Posts on social media have been important too, helping to keep up morale.

“Sam and I have had to make changes though. We have had to adapt the music, the choreography and accommodate people on stage to maintain a safe distance. To do this, we have put 2m markers on the stage for the cast members. We also now have a one-way system to ensure there is no crossing in the corridors. It has been a test – but fun too. We can’t wait for opening night.”

Like Becky, this is Sam’s first production performing the role of director, with both also performing on stage. Sam said, “Whilst it has been stressful at times, directing at a distance, it has been great to see how our cast members have evolved over the last few weeks, gaining confidence and performing in their roles. For me, theatre is an incredibly social experience – especially musicals – so I am really looking forward to meeting up with everyone again.”

Titchfield Festival Theatre has purchased an ozone generator - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre (stage, auditoria, public areas and backstage) of any viruses or potential infection , following each performance. TFT has also introduced 2 metre spacing between the seats in the auditoria and safe distancing in the bars. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues and a thermal check as you enter the theatre.

A Chorus Line is a perfect choice for one of TFT’s first two shows since March, with sizzling dance numbers accompanying Marvin Hamlisch's snappy, agile score in this unforgettable musical.

Who will be the lucky ones? Come along or follow us live or on your screens at home to find out.

A Chorus Line opens on Monday 27 July in the Oak Theatre and runs until Saturday 1 August. There is a matinée showing on Saturday.

For more information including booking tickets, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.        

Village pubs set to reopen

Both the Queens Head and the Wheatsheaf will open on Saturday 4th of July.

Following the government’s announcement earlier this week pubs can reopen, but only if they follow strict rules to keep customers safe.

At both venues it will be table service only. And the two-metre distancing rule will also be relaxed to one.

Mark, landlord at the Wheatsheaf in East Street, has been working hard to prepare the pub for the reopening, erecting screens and ensuring tables are not too close.

The pub will be open for drinks from 12 noon till 10pm but sadly there will be no food service.
The new landlord at The Queen’s Head, Alanna Ferriday, will also open the doors on Saturday but with a later time of 2pm, closing at 10pm. Other times are:-

Sunday - 12 midday - 9pm
Monday - Thursday 2pm - 9pm
Friday - 2pm -10pm
Saturday 12 midday - 10pm

Alanna ask prospective patrons to ring ahead to book a table as there will be some limited numbers due to seating space.” Call 07487679330

Swift action required

Do you live in Titchfield Village and take a regular evening walk?

I am looking for volunteers to help with the Hampshire Swift Survey, recording swifts probably over 4 (ideally 6) evenings spread between now and the end of July.

Simple note taking, guidance provided, I am happy to handle the computer inputting.

Please let me know if you are interested in helping. If you can’t help, but are aware of swift nesting sites, do please let me know.

Many thanks

Suzy
Suzy Jackson
suzyajackson@gmail.com
07532 168454

EoS Trust looking for Trustee

The Earl of Southampton Trust is looking for a new Trustee

Do you live in the parish of Titchfield, Stubbington, Sarisbury Green, Locks Heath, Hook with Warsash, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent or Whiteley?

Our ancient charity was formed in 1597 to help residents of these areas (then known as the Ancient Parish of Titchfield).

Knowledge of finance and investment, legal, medical and care and/or property management are all relevant to the post.

Please send your CV to Tracey Kenney at info@eost.org.uk

From the Editor of the Titchfield News Magazine

We hope you have all been keeping well during these very difficult times.

We know all readers of the magazine would like to thank Brian Patten for his excellent work over many years and wish him well for the future. Thanks are also due to Dorothy Patten, as Associate Editor, Brian Williams for overseeing distribution and David Mugford for his work with advertisers.

We wanted to ensure that Titchfield News continued and, as no single editor has come forward, we now have an editorial team of five people: Nog Grimstead, Karen Postle, Karen Rizzi, Margaret Thompson and Ann Wheal.

Our other change has been a decision to produce the magazine bi-monthly. The PCC has approved this change and, while we know many organisations have been used to promoting their activities a month in advance, we hope you will be able to work with us to our revised publication deadlines.

This magazine is an online-only edition and production began in April. At that point we did not know whether, and to what extent, the COVID-19 lockdown would still be in place so please bear with us if things have changed since articles were written.

We are currently unable to print any copies because of necessary restrictions on delivering and selling them.

For future editions, when restrictions on distributing printed copies are hopefully eased, we will be considering the extent of continuing online production.

If you know anyone who does not have access to the internet and would like to see the Titchfield News, please consider whether you can print off a copy to give to them. If you deliver a printed copy to anyone please ensure you follow the important guidelines regarding hand hygiene and social distancing.

We do hope you will enjoy reading this copy of Titchfield News and please send your comments about it to us at: magazine@stpetertitchfield.org.uk as we’d love to hear from you.

Click HERE to read the latest edition of the Titchfield News Magazine

Titchfield Festival Theatre to launch new live streaming productions

Theatre doors across the country are currently closed, with increasing concern as to the future financial viability of entertainment venues. However, despite the significant challenges facing the performing arts, Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT) has announced plans to protect its patrons when the doors reopen and to reach new audiences.

Titchfield’s Artistic Director Kevin Fraser and his team have been busy during the lockdown preparing their venues in the light of any potential new regulations required by the authorities as part of the plans to reopen.

When the theatre gets the green light to start performances again, maintaining safe and social distancing is key. The theatre will operate a one-way system, is reviewing capacity and is to implement an even more strenuous deep cleaning system after every run and following each performance. 

To do this, the theatre has invested in a new ozone sanitising machine for the auditorium and other spaces - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre of any viruses or potential infection. The purpose is to thoroughly sanitise the auditoria and stage areas after each performance. TFT is to introduce a safety distancing system in the bars as well as the auditoria. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues.

Keeping patrons safe is the key priority; however, it is not the only significant development. TFT is to invest in brand new, high quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment to enable one of the UK’s largest community theatres to start videoing and streaming shows live.

The company has identified that many of their patrons are in a particular age range or are vulnerable, where they must still shield, TFT wish to reach out to these, often very faithful patrons, who have supported them in the past and still give a full theatre experience whilst still at home. The streaming will also introduce a new and wider audience to TFTs talents.

Kevin Fraser said, “Although we do not know yet when we can reopen, it is important to plan and to make changes to ensure social distancing as well as a safe environment. We have been truly humbled by the response from our patrons and we have received so many supportive messages.

“Reopening the theatre is posing a number of challenges: Cast members will have to get used to rehearsing and performing whilst socially distancing and we need to carefully consider our choice of plays, too; perhaps focusing on smaller productions.

“However, we approach the next chapter of our history with confidence and determination. Our investment in the new cameras and streaming equipment is the start. This will give us the ability to make sure that no-one who is shielding or self-isolating misses out by not being able to get to our venues. Each week when a show is scheduled to run then we will make sure that at least two nights of the run can be downloaded or streamed.”

Further details of our productions can be found on our website: https://www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on including the full 2020 brochure. Revised dates are to be published when known. Details of the 2021 season will be published later in the summer.

The Theatre has launched a new YouTube Channel and a page on its website with videos and information during the closure period.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Scheme to restore wetland nature reserve on land at Titchfield

A company, called Meonmarsh Ltd is in the advanced stages of developing a scheme to restore wetland on land that they own in Titchfield.

The site is located to the south east of Titchfield village with Bridge Street to the north and the B3334 (Titchfield Road) to the east.
The River Meon forms the western and part of the southern boundary of the site.
The site is currently comprised entirely of poor quality ‘grazing marsh’.

The proposal includes the retention and enhancement of the richest part of this habitat type, plus the addition of a range of new habitat types to include open water areas, channels, reed beds and, most importantly, a huge increase in ‘wet edge’, the richest habitat type that offers opportunities for a myriad of flora and fauna.

Meonmarsh will be submitting a planning application for the scheme to the local authority before the end of June, 2020.

For comments to be taken into consideration, they must be received before the 19th of June, 2020. 

To find out more and leave your comments on the proposal go to…
 https://www.meonmarsh.com/ there you will find an overview of the scheme along with some detail.

Fareham Market to re-start from Monday with social distancing measures in place

Fareham’s town centre market is to re-start from Monday (June 1) with social distancing measures in place to protect both shoppers and market traders.

The popular Monday market stopped trading at the start of the lockdown in March but stalls will be out again from Monday ahead of a more general opening up of other non-essential shops and businesses in the town centre on June 15.

There have been extensive talks with the market traders and the Council has been reassured by the traders that they have social distancing measures in place and will be enforcing those measures to keep everyone safe.

The measures include:

·         Hand sanitiser on all stalls for customers and traders to use

·         All traders to wear masks and gloves

·         All stalls to serve from the main aisle with back of stalls to be covered

·         Signs advising of social distance requirements

·         Marking to indicate a social distance between traders and public

·         Disinfectant spray to be available on all stalls

·         Contactless paying machines to be used where possible

Town centre car parks will all be open on Monday 1st June, except the shoppers car park in Civic Way, which will re open June 15th, and car parking charges will be back in force after being relaxed during the lockdown period There will be a new procedure for using the Osborne Road multi-storey car park, with clear signs to ensure people using the car park lifts and stairs can remain safe and socially distanced.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “I am delighted that after talks with the traders they have been able to reassure us that we are able to safely re-start the popular Fareham market from Monday.

“I know that the market is extremely popular for many people in Fareham and beyond but it is important that everyone who visits the market keeps to the social distancing guidelines and follows the instructions of the traders in trying to keep everyone safe.

“I am very grateful for the way the traders have worked to responsibly find a safe way for the market to be able to operate again in the town centre.

“These are some of the first small steps in getting the rest of the town centre open and trading again from the middle of June.”

How did you celebrate VE Day?

A big thankyou to the Traves family in Common Lane who, under the auspices of the Bonfire Boys, lit a Beacon in their field just after the Queens Speech .

Did you have a VE Day party in Titchfield?

Send in your images and we’ll create a ‘Titchfield VE Day’ gallery of all your pictures.

Email your pictures to phil.burner@gmail.com

Click HERE to see a Gallery of images from the day

Celebrating VE Day in Titchfield

With the ‘Lockdown’ in full swing VE Day events in the village have been severely curtailed.

However St Peter’s Church have published plans on how residents can celebrate and participate over Friday and the weekend.

Friday 8th May at 11.45am
Re-dedicate yourself at home to work for peace, freedom and justice.
Words available at Titchfield News https://www.titchfieldnews.com and St. Peter’s Titchfield www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk

At 12pm join your neighbours in singing, “We’ll meet again.”

At 3pm we are asked to join the 'Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WW2' from the safety of our own homes.  The official toast is:  'To those who gave so much, we thank you.'

Portsmouth Cathedral invite us to #bigpicnicforhope a stay-at-home picnic in your home or garden to celebrate the occasion..

They ask us to consider, please, making a donation to the Roberts Centre
http://www.robertscentre.org.uk/donate-now/ an organisation working to support the most vulnerable families and people in the Portsmouth area.

At 9pm Fareham Borough Council are urging residents to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day by singing along to the famous wartime song by Vera Lynn, WE’LL MEET AGAIN

Sunday 10th May from 7am Online Reflective Service, with Revd. Susan Allman (Vicar) on the St. Peter’s Church website www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk on the theme of VE Day.

The service will be available for you to join in with at any time from 7am on Sunday morning and will last for no more than 30minutes.

An order of service will be available to print from the website from Friday 8th May.

Although Friday’s picnic will be at lunchtime it is most likely residents will party on for the rest of the afternoon.

Click HERE to download The Order of Service for Sunday

(Check your Downloads Folder if you don’t see it straight away)

The text of ther Re-Dedication is printed below

Titchfield mask maker

Vivian Stewart from Common Lane has been busy making face masks and giving them away to anyone that wants one.

The masks are reversible and made from 100% washed cotton with a piece of quilt liner sewn between the pattered material.

Vivian has been displaying her handiwork on her fence and so far, in the three weeks she’s been sewing, over 120 masks have been snapped up by passer-bys.

The masks can be easily put together using spare scraps of material and elastic. and Vivian says there must be many ‘quilters’, like her, who could use their skills during the current crisis.

Well done Vivian!

Take a look at our Covid-19 Gallery

Fareham VE Day Home Schooling and Stay at Home Street Party Pack Launched

Home schooling resources and a “Stay At Home Street Party” pack have today been launched by Fareham Borough Council to help residents across the Borough mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8th.

The Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has meant events planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe in 1945 have had to be shelved. The early May Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday 8th to allow for a weekend of national commemorations, street parties and other events; these may now be held later in the year.

However, VE Day was May 8th in 1945 and Fareham Borough Council wants its residents to be able to mark the occasion on the actual 75th anniversary.

The Council has teamed up with a teacher to produce home schooling lesson plans and supporting resources for parents to help young people in the Borough learn about VE Day. The home-schooling pack is designed to be used each day in the week leading up to May 8th.

• The Council has also produced a “Stay At Home Street Party” pack for residents. It includes:

• A competition for residents to design their own bunting to hang or stick in their front windows, with a chance to win a home-delivered afternoon tea.

• A VE Day themed quiz that they can use with family and friends virtually on video conferencing services, or among the family at home.

• A VE Day themed Word Search.

• Some war-time recipes based on the rations available in 1945 for residents to try at home themselves.

• The words to We’ll Meet Again, the Dame Vera Lynn song made famous during the war and recently referenced by The Queen in her address to the national during the pandemic.

• A Spotify playlist of war-time songs compiled especially by the Council for the VE Day Stay At Home Street Parties

Fareham Borough Council Executive Leader Councillor Sean Woodward said: “VE Day is an important anniversary in our country’s history and we want to be sure that, despite the pandemic lockdown, residents have the chance to mark it in their own way.

“We know parents have been superbly tackling the difficult challenge of home-schooling their children - our lesson plans and resources will support their teaching and learning throughout VE Day week, and help children to understand the importance of VE Day to the nation.

“In 1945 the country celebrated the end of hostilities in Europe like never before, with street parties and other events. We had hoped to recreate that for the 75th anniversary this year until the Coronavirus pandemic put an end to those plans. Our Stay At Home Street Party pack will help all those who do still want to mark this very significant milestone.

“It would be fantastic if everyone across Fareham would join in a Borough-wide singalong of We’ll Meet Again at mid-day on Friday May 8th as we pay our own tribute to all those who fought in the Second World War for our freedom today, and at the same time to think about those nearest and dearest to us that we are missing seeing right now.

“I know how frustrating and difficult it continues to be for residents who are staying at home because of this lockdown. We want our VE Day packs to be something families and individuals can make use of to help mark this important anniversary.”

The downloadable home schooling and Stay At Home Street Party packs, and the Spotify playlist link, can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/veday75.aspx.

Send us your Covid ‘Street Art’

Across the village Titchfield residents have been showing their support for the NHS, care home staff emergency service personnel and key workers by flying flags, displaying their art work and drawing chalk messages on the pavements.

Take a picture of your work of art and we’ll publish here on our GALLERY PAGE.

Some great works of art at the Community Centre by Courtney Vychodil

There will be a prizes for the best entries…

1st Prize - an all expenses paid trip around the world (must be taken by end of May 2020)

2nd Prize - a double gin in your own garden (you supply the gin and tonic)

3rd Prize - a five mile walk down the canal and back

Email your pictures to phil.burner@gmail.com

Historic Reasons for Titchfield to Fly Flags on 23 April

Here are three reasons to fly flags in Titchfield on 23April:

1. Saint George’s Day. England marks 23 April for Saint George’s Day. Saint George is the well known Patron Saint of England. That alone is a day worth commemorating, but Titchfield has more to locally celebrate on 23 April.

2. Royal Wedding. On 23 April 1445 Henry VI was married in Titchfield Abbey to Margaret of Anjou. The marriage to Margaret of Anjou was arranged to help keep the peace in France. A lion was brought to the abbey because the beast was identified as a symbol of strength and status. After the ceremony it was returned to the Tower of London where various beasts from foreign fields were kept for show and ceremonies. When you next manage to visit the remains of Titchfield Abbey, imagine a lion shackled in the great hall where you may be standing!

3. Shakespeare. Not many people imagine dying on their birthday, but historians believe William Shakespeare was born on 23 April 1564 and died on the same day in 1616. It is thought that Shakespeare was a teacher in Titchfield during 7 lost years (1585-92) before he became a famous play writer. The Third Earl of Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, was Shakespeare’s Patron during this period and the Third Earl lived in in Place House. Place House was built on the remains of Titchfield Abbey after it was destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537. Shakespeare relates to the Third Earl in some of his plays.

A Special Day for Titchfield - Flags must Fly on 23 April.

Fly your flags and get some colours out on 23 April. With All this history in mind, 23 April is a special day for Titchfield. So let’s celebrate the day every year with a choice of flags and banners. You can fly any colour you like, but if you want to mark Saint George’s Day get your Saint George’s flag out or your Union flag or the local new Titchfield flag. The Titchfield flag symbolises our local history, but in particular Titchfield Abbey and Shakespeare for 23 April. The abbey is symbolised by the four towers in a cross and a lion in the middle, and Shakespeare is symbolised with his family spear running down the middle. If you have a Christmas tree stand on your house or premises, you may like to order a 2020 edition Titchfield flag on titchemblem@hotmail.com. Some are already flying. Otherwise get some other colours up on 23 April and let’s celebrate our wonderful history as well as our fantastic NHS and other key workers!

Extra help for local parents during Covid crisis

Baby Bundles Bank based in Titchfield Common was set up to help struggling families with preloved or new baby items donated by the generous public.

But during the Covid-19 crisis they are extending their help further into the community and helping all families who may be struggling to get items, this might be nappies, baby wipes, clothing etc.

To learn more contact them via their Facebook group which you are welcome to join. HERE

Clare Monkton from Baby Bundles Bank says, “If you require support due to being in isolation or not being able to get what you need from a shop etc please contact me at clare.monckton@gmail.com if we have what you need we will help.

This is a free service and is usually done by referral via health professionals, but at this time we are able to open it up to include ALL families who may need it, we rely totally on donations of baby items from the generous community. “

They collect and distribute the following items - Baby clothing -good condition and not stained. Blankets and sheets- cot and moses size Bottles and sterilisers Dummies Toiletries Nappies Towels Muslin cloths.

They also take- moses baskets Baby baths Changing bags Baby chairs Toys Prams and cots on a need basis due to storage space.

Fly the flag and brighten the village

Households around the village have been flying flags and banners to show solidarity to NHS workers, carers and all those working to keep essential services running.

The 2019 banner

You can show your support in a very ‘Titchfield’ way by purchasing and flying the village’s own unique banner.

The emblem was designed and crafted by three Titchfield enthusiastic locals who got together in the autumn of 2017 and convened the first of many informal meetings in the Queen’s Head pub! The mission, other than enjoying a good drink, was to try and develop more of a “symbolic identity reflecting the ancient history of Titchfield”.

Shown here the 2019 banner. The 2020 version has ‘2020’ on the apex which will be in green and the elastic hem will be black.

You can purchase 2020 banners for jkust £30 by contacting titchemblem@hotmail.com if you want some colours flying!

Village video goes Viral

A fun video highlighting how residents are observing the six feet separation rule during the Covid crisis is helping to keep spirits up in the village.

The vidieo takes the music and lyrics from The Rocky Horror Show to remind walkers to keep well apart to help reduce the chance of catching the deadly virus.

Titchfield's 'Secret Army'

The only recognition those in the Aux Units got at the end of the war

Was your Father or Grandfather one of the men of the Auxiliary Unit in Titchfield?

We have been contacted by a group of national volunteers researching these units and they have given us the twelve names of the Titchfield Resistance Unit. These men were trained in the event of a German invasion and had to sign the ‘Official Secrets Act’. After did a member of your family ever talk about this unit?

These men dug underground hideouts called 'operational bases', large enough to house six or seven men in reasonable comfort. In the South and south east of England, in areas vulnerable to invasion well over 500 of these bunkers existed, so where was ours and does any evidence still exist?

Read more on the volunteers website
https://www.coleshillhouse.com/bunkers.php

Here are the names of the Titchfield unit and their addresses at the time with extra information I have found to help you identify if they are your relative, it is sad to realise that we missed talking to some of these men about the unit by only a few years.

Sgt Ernest John Isaac born 1911 lived in Coach Hill and was a labourer on a fruit farm. He was married to Audrey.

Pte David Whitear born 1925, mother’s maiden name was Bristowe, no address given

Pte Charles William Bennett born1922, died in 1987, son of Martha Meads & John Bennett lived in Posbrooke Cottages and was a nurseryman

Pte Eric Thompson born 1923 in Portsmouth and lived in Park Road during the war. His mother’s maiden name was Gale and he was a mechanic in 1939.

Pte Arthur Freemantle born1925 lived in West St and died in 1989. Parents Ann & William

Pte Richard Goddard born 1922, an aircraft apprentice in 1939, Mother was a Frampton and they lived in Warsash Road and then at 19 Church Path.

Pte Harry Robert Bowman born 1924, died 2010 lived at 48 Bellfield during the war and worked in a nursery. In 2003 he was living in Pitchpond Road.

Pte Edward Michael Ferris born1926 lived in Brownwich Lane and died in 2014. Mother’s maiden name was Ferris.

Pte Arthur Whitear born1922, died 2006, worked in a nursery, son of Arthur & Florence lived 9 Bellfield

Pte Edward William T Hubbard born 1927 of 13 Warsash Road, son of Martha ne Cawte

Pte S J Holmes no date of birth, in 1932 he was living at the Whiteley Poultry Farm in Whiteley Lane

Pte J E Snelgar born in 1925 lived at 2 Bellfield, possibly James Edward who died in Lymington in 2007 and was a boatbuilder in Barnes Lane in the 1950’s.

Any information about the unit, a possible site for the bunker or stories of this time from these men please email amanda.laws@virgin.net or post of the facebook page and I will pass it on to the volunteers.

Thanks Amanda Laws